According to CNN, "Cobb County Public Safety Director Samuel Heaton said Friday the department had received an e-mail from Abbott requesting immediate retirement. 'He was eligible for that. Once he retires he is no longer employed so no disciplinary action can take place. He is entitled to his retirement, which he would've received even if he was fired.'"

Chief of Police Register described Abbott as "honorable," and said that he had made a mistake.

"I've known Lt. Abbott for a number of years, and I've always perceived him to be an honorable man. He made a mistake. I don't know what's in his heart, but I certainly know what came out of his mouth. And, it's inexcusable and we have to take appropriate action."

Abbott's attorney, Lance LoRusso, said the comments weren't made with bad intent, but rather in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

"His comments must be observed in their totality to understand their context,” LoRusso said in a statement to the public. “He was attempting to de-escalate a situation involving an uncooperative passenger. In context, his comments were clearly aimed at attempting to gain compliance by using the passenger’s own statements and reasoning to avoid making an arrest.”

Chief Register clearly didn't agree when making his own public statement.

“No matter what the context, statements like these are unacceptable and are not indicative of the type of culture we are trying to facilitate here in the police department, as well as within the county."